Big Yellow Taxi

      My co-worker and I decided we would visit one of the "real" souks/markets here in Abu Dhabi. As I posted some time ago, I visited the new Central Market Souk with its modern architecture, air conditioned corridors, and high-end tourist shops. I was looking forward to going to an authentic market with local, fresh produce and original crafts. Hah! I should've known better. We arrived and to my dismay all the vendors sold, I suppose, the same produce that's sent to the chain supermarkets here. Every vendor sold the same items and brands with not so low prices.
     While the vision of Abu Dhabi as a cosmopolitan city is enticing to tourists and expats like myself, and provides many new economic opportunities for the local people, there is something to be said about preserving the city's rich culture and history beyond museums and historical sites. Unfortunately, I am sure as I continue to work and/or travel abroad I will have similar experiences in all four corners of the world.

Where the trucks come to drop off the food for the "local market."

Meena Market

Fresh dates! I'm not a huge fan of dates. They're pretty popular here, so I'm trying to acquire a taste for them.

Standard souvenir.

I did enjoy the spice store at the new souk. I need to Google some recipes so I can figure out how to use them.